Santa Cruz County Veterans Services Office

The Santa Cruz Veterans Service Office is a State and County funded agency, established in 1946 to assist veterans, military retirees, and their families in obtaining benefits earned by military service.

Our Vision

To serve, respect, and honor veterans and their families.

Our Mission

The Veterans Services Office serves all veterans and their families regardless of time in service, period of service, or type of discharge. We strive to reach our veterans where they are through support and guidance of all benefits they have earned. By collaborating with our community partners, we provide access to all necessary resources.

Who We Serve

Veterans regardless of time in service, period of service, or type of discharge

Dependent Parents

Spouses and Dependent Children

Surviving Spouse/Family Members

Anyone with questions, concerns, or interest in veteran’s services

Available Services

If you incurred an injury or illness during your military service that is currently disabling to you such as PTSD, you may be eligible for compensation.

VA Pension for war time era veterans

VA healthcare

Burial benefits

Surviving Spouse Widows Pension/dependent benefits

CalVet College fee waiver

Veteran designation on license

Military records requests: Obtaining DD214, military medical or personnel file

Information and referrals

Education benefits

Home loans

State Veteran homes

Transportation to VA Palo Alto medical facilities

Interfacing with other organizations

Advocacy with State and Federal benefits

Our Veteran Advocate

Our office is staffed with a veteran advocate who can go out in the field for any need. Do you have questions regarding benefits or need assistance but can’t come into the office? Our advocate can come to you for those needs. Outreach outside the office includes but not limited to:

Assisted living facilities/ SNF

Home visits

Hospital visits

Vet Court Referrals

Incarcerated veterans

Homeless veterans

Vision

Wednesday Veterans Services Day

Every Wednesday at the downtown Santa Cruz location from 9am to 3pm, the following services are available:

VA doctors, specialists on site

Harm reduction support groups

Claims filing

Hot meal served at 12pm

Food Bank

Housing resource groups available: HUD-vash, Paget center

EDD

Calvet College Tuition Waivers

Attention: Children of disabled vets may qualify for college tuition waivers.

The College Fee Waiver for Veteran Dependents benefit waives mandatory system-wide tuition and fees at any State of California Community College, California State University, or University of California campus. This program does not cover the expense of books, parking or room and board. There are four plans under which dependents of veterans may be eligible. Ask for more information when you meet with your Veterans Claims Representative.